CONFLICT: Protesters attempted to blocj councillors and staff from leaving the building.
Tonight’s Newcastle City Council meeting ended with a decision to chop the trees, allegations of assault and attempts to prevent councillors from leaving the building.
Councillors voted seven to four against a motion for a State Government-backed assessment of the fig trees.
An ugly confrontation broke out immediately after the meeting, when councillors who voted against the assessment attempted to leave the council chambers.
A large number of protesters, who reacted angrily to the vote, aggressively attempted to block a group of councillors and council staff members from leaving.
A woman fell to the ground and police were investigating allegations she was assaulted.
FULL REPORT in tomorrow's Herald